The State Board of Dental Examiners (Board) proposes new §108.15, concerning notification of discontinuance of practice.

This proposed rule clarifies what a dentist must do before he or she leaves a dental practice for which he or she is responsible.

Julie Hildebrand, Executive Director, has determined that for the first five-year period the new rule is in effect enforcing or administering the rule will not have foreseeable implications relating to cost or revenue of state or local government.

Ms. Hildebrand has also determined that for the first five-year period the new rule is in effect enforcing or administering the rule will ensure the protection of public health and safety. Ms. Hildebrand has determined that for the first five-year period the proposed rule is in effect enforcing or administering the rule will have minimal economic cost to persons and small businesses who are required to comply with the rule. The benefits of this proposed rule in ensuring the protection of public health and safety outweigh the cost to persons who are required to comply with the rule. There is no foreseeable impact on employment in any regional area where the rule is enforced or administered.

Comments on the proposed rule may be submitted to Simone Salloum, Assistant General Counsel, 333 Guadalupe, Suite 3-800, Austin, Texas 78732, Fax (512) 463-7452, rulecomments@tsbde.texas.gov no later than 30 days from the date that the proposed rule is published in the Texas Register.

The new rule is proposed under Texas Occupations Code §254.001(a), which gives the Board authority to adopt rules necessary to perform its duties and ensure compliance with state laws relating to the practice of dentistry to protect the public health and safety.

No other statutes, articles, or codes are affected by the proposed rule.